BMC has no power to evict residents of dilapidated bldgs

With 959 buildings across the city identified as ‘dangerous’ and structurally weak, the Mahim building collapse may not be the only one this monsoon.

With 959 buildings across the city identified as ‘dangerous’ and structurally weak, the Mahim building collapse may not be the only one this monsoon.

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Residents of buildings notified as dilapidated or dangerous were expected to be evacuated before the monsoon. While notices are sent to residents under section 354 of Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, to vacate the premises, the BMC has no mechanism in place to check on what happens after that.

Also, there are no legal provisions to forcibly evict residents.

“In most cases, residents refuse to shift. We offer alternative accommodation to tenants in BMC-owned properties, but it can’t be made available to residents of private properties,” said a senior official, requesting anonymity.

To tackle resistance, the BMC issued a circular in 2009 to cut off water connections to unvacated buildings, but it was withdrawn owing to lack of legal provisions to take such action.